Google seems to be keeping its options open on what the next generation of Google Glass may look like. We’ve previously seen a larger prism reportedly destined for the Enterprise Edition, and last week heard that the company is working on two audio-based models without a screen via Project Aura.
A Google patent granted this week now shows two different approaches to a flexible version of the wearable (see below for the second one), worn over only one ear, and with the option of a display viewable by both eyes …
The description is of course written in patentese.
An electronic device includes a display and a band configured to be worn on the head of a user. The band defines a display end to which the display is affixed and extends from the display end to a free end. The band is adjustable such that it can be configured by a user to contact the head of the user at a first location near a temple, a second location along a portion of the user’s ear adjacent the temple, and at a third location along a rear portion of the head of the user […]
A single display could be used with a prism or other structure configured to extend over both eyes of the user for displaying an image viewable by both eyes.
A further option describes the possibility of single-eye units allowing the user to choose which eye they want to use.
As ever, patents reveal little of a company’s actual plans, especially for a huge company like Google. It can afford to patent every option it considers, in addition to patenting things it has no intention of doing simply to make life harder for competitors. Update: In this particular case, our sources say that neither of these designs is currently in development.
Via TNW
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